I mentioned earlier about the 35 nieces and nephews that the Groom had. Just his family. Kids and weddings aren't always a great mix but I feel it's important for them to be part of it and have their own memories. I thought up doing a chalkboard kid table. 

Really I wanted to do it twice as long as what is shown but we ran our of board and didn't get to the store to pick some up. It's masonite, cut to size, and painted with chalkboard paint. I didn't round the corners because we are making a frame for it and using it for the next wedding. The small scale folding chairs I picked up at the local antiques store and they were already that color. 

It was a hit and served its purpose! It kept so many kids occupied and out of cakes. It's a definite do again thing. Here are some photos. 

Since we have one more wedding, do you have any good ideas to occupy the children?

More DIY from the wedding. And there's still more things I am going to share, but I am working on the next daughter's wedding. Number 3 for us in 1 1/2 months. You'd have thought with the "inshanity" I inflict on my family that I would have planned this. But, I did not. Love took over our home and did not consult with me.

This is the Wedding Throne. The couple didn't want to do a reception line, which was fine with me, I was in one 4 days before for our son and his new bride. But, I digress. Back to this daughter's wedding. Having no line, I thought they needed some kind of 'gathering spot' for well wishers, so I came up with the idea of a loveseat throne. And her style was ShabbyChic.

I had in mind what I wanted and found the perfect doors. Love them! You can't really tell from the photo but the two rectangle openings are glass. The Boyfriend was game to try and rip the door down the middle to give me the two pieces so the arched door could be the centerpiece. I don't doubt often about projects, but I wondered about the wisdom of this one, that door was rickety. He didn't even hesitate. He doesn't know I almost stopped him.

We took a third door, with the most perfect weathering, and made that into the seat and arms. Sometimes, when you have a creative project in your mind you're not quite sure how it's going to turn out. I think it turned out amazing, I was so pleased. After it was done I didn't want to give it to them. But, it's in their new home.

My sisters' Creative Mommas website has a few more photos if you're interested.

We had our daughter's bridal shower the day before the wedding so her BFF, who was flying in, could be there. Even with the BFF's flight coming in late we still squeezed it in between all the setting up. 

I'm not much into some bridal shower games. But, living an artsy life, lead me to the idea of having the guests paint little birdhouses (to go along with the birdhouse theme) and leave a wedding wish for the couple's new love nest.

I was surprised at how long everyone spent on them. Just proves to me that everyone has an inner artist. Whether they want to admit it our not. Here are a few up close. Then, we used them at the reception to decorate the cake table.

Then they got to take them home after the reception.  What are some ways that you've celebrated bridal showers?

I cannot begin to catch up on what's been happening. But this is the "sum up" - 3 of my children are getting married in 1 1/2 months (longest engagement 3 1/2 months). They have no sense of timing. One of them getting married is a boy. Thankfully, the Bride's parents took care of just about everything. Bless them.

The other 2 weddings are for our daughters. And they are totally DIY Weddings. I'll be posting bits and pieces in between the "inshanity" (as the boyfriend so aptly puts it) of it all. Here is a quick pic of the wedding cake for one of them. My daughter from another mother, Hannah, baked the cakes. My daughter Leila made the frosting. And I assembled and decorated the cake. The craftsmanship is not quite as lovely as I Am Baker from where I got the idea, but for finishing it at 4:30 am the day of the wedding I was not complaining.

I have not decorated a serious cake for 20 years. My daughter Leila was going to but I don't know what came over me and I said I wanted to. It was the delirious creative side of me. But, here is the link that gave me the fabulous idea and instruction - I Am Baker. 

Okay, she (Creative Momma Chelsea) just posts better and faster than I do. Which really, it works for me. So, here is the link to more of the wedding stuff we did over at Creative Mommas. Inside the birdhouse windows I put little votive candles. Some of them had words worthy of use in marriage. And others had sayings.

Loved this little quote, and movie line. Daina, who took this photo, does too. 

Our New Year's Eve Party Decorations. 
I did the "Celebration" sign by wrapping cake cardboards with silver wrapping paper and attaching large black vinyl letters that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Since I choice a generic word and not a specific holiday I can use it for any occasion. I also used clip on flowers so they can be removed and something else (more holiday related) put in its place. It was super simple.

The bowls on the table are from Color Me Mine. I went and did it while on vacation since Missouri doesn't have one. They are gray with a saying that I often use on the inside lip - "If a things worth doing, it's worth overdoing."

I set out a mini-mirror ball from the Christmas decorations. I got the candelabras from the thrift store and little votive candles that I have on hand. This all came together so easily there wasn't any stress in it. Just like I like it. We had a wonderful time.


Supplies:
Cardboard covered in wrapping paper
6" vinyl adhesive backed letters in black - Hobby Lobby
clip on daisies - Michaels
Mini mirror ball ornament
Votive candles
Thrift store candlesticks